After enduring their first losing season since 2001, Oklahoma State loyalists expect the Cowboys to return to the bowl scene in coach Mike Gundy's second campaign. Gundy admits more than one position group is young. QB Bobby Reid is back and the squad is "much better physically than we were," but the South isn't kind, and neither is the Cowboys' conference schedule. Next up: OKLAHOMA STATE.

BRIEFLY: Reid is key as Cowboys seek resurgence4-7, 1-7 in the Big 12 in 2005Reid is healthy after an ankle injury helped prevent him from starting four times in 2005. The 6-foot-4, 230-pound sophomore must be a leader by action. He will be called to carry the ball and improve upon his completion rate (48 percent) if the Cowboys are to rebound from their identity as the worst scoring offense a year ago.

Reid has work to do. He completed 12 of 22 passes with three TDs in the spring game, but was picked off twice and sacked three times, and rushed for just 37 yards. Gundy remains optimistic.

"(Reid) is running the ball better now," Gundy said. "He's not holding the ball. He has more confidence in himself now because he's had success in the spring. Those areas he's improved in and there's a tremendous difference in him from the end of last year to right now."